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Abstract:

Photos are shared among devices that are in close proximity to one
another and for which there is a connection among the devices. The photos
can be shared automatically, or alternatively based on various user
inputs. Various different controls can also be placed on sharing photos
to restrict the other devices with which photos can be shared, the manner
in which photos can be shared, and/or how the photos are shared.

Claims:

1. One or more computer-readable storage media having stored thereon
multiple instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a
device, cause the one or more processors to: receive a photo captured at
the device; determine one or more other devices in close proximity to the
device; determine a connection between the device and at least one of the
one or more other devices; and automatically share the photo with the at
least one of the one or more other devices.

2. One or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 1, the
connection comprising, for each of the one or more other devices, a user
of the other device being included in a social network of a user of the
device.

3. One or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 1, the
multiple instructions further causing the one or more processors to:
receive, from one of the one or more other devices, an indication that a
user of the other device has rejected the photo; and share, in response
to the indication, the photo with no other of the one or more other
devices.

4. One or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 1, the
multiple instructions further causing the one or more processors to
associate one or more controls with the photo, the one or more controls
restricting how the photo is shared.

5. One or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 4, the
controls indicating properties and/or securities that the device is to
have in order for the photo to be shared with the device.

6. One or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 4, the
controls including an indication of a duration for which the photo can be
displayed on the device.

7. One or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 1, the
instructions causing the one or more processors to automatically share
the photo comprising instructions causing the one or more processors to
send, to each of the at least one of the one or more other devices, a
file including the photo.

8. One or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 1, the
instructions causing the one or more processors to automatically share
the photo comprising instructions causing the one or more processors to
provide, to each of the at least one of the one or more other devices, a
token including a uniform resource locator of a location where the photo
is stored and data to allow access to the photo at the location.

9. In a setting with multiple devices capable of showing photos, a method
comprising: determining a connection between a photo taking device and
one or more other devices; determining properties, permissions, and/or
securities of the one or more other devices; receiving a photo taken by
the photo taking device; sharing the photo with the one or more other
devices based on at least one of the properties, permissions, and/or
securities; displaying the photo on at least some of the other devices;
and providing an opportunity for rejection of the photo on the at least
some of the other devices prior to finalizing sharing the photo.

10. A method as recited in claim 9, the setting comprising the multiple
devices being in close proximity to one another.

11. A method as recited in claim 9, the sharing comprising sharing the
photo automatically with the one or more other devices.

12. A method as recited in claim 9, the sharing comprising sharing the
photo with user-selected ones of the one or more other devices.

13. A method as recited in claim 9, the connection comprising, for each
of the one or more other devices, a user of the other device being
included in a social network of a user of the photo taking device.

14. A method as recited in claim 9, rejection of the photo comprising
indicating that the photo is not to be shared with others of the one or
more devices, the method further comprising not sharing the photo with
others of the one or more devices in response to rejection of the photo.

15. A method as recited in claim 9, further comprising altering the photo
to delete from the photo a user of the at least some of the other devices
in response to rejection of the photo.

16. A method as recited in claim 9, a property of a device comprising one
or more configuration settings and/or characteristics of the device.

17. A method as recited in claim 9, a security of a device comprising
security mechanisms or policies to which the device adheres.

18. A method as recited in claim 9, a permission of a device comprising
an indication of what actions can and/or cannot be taken by the device
with respect to the photo.

19. A method as recited in claim 9, a permission of the device comprising
an indication of a duration for which the photo can be displayed on the
device.

20. A method comprising: receiving, from a photo taking device, a photo
taken at the photo taking device, one or more controls being associated
with the photo; determining one or more other devices in close proximity
to the photo taking device; determining a connection between the photo
taking device and at least one of the one or more other devices, the
connection comprising, for each of the at least one of the one or more
other devices, a user of the other device being included in a social
network of a user of the photo taking device; sharing the photo with the
at least one of the one or more other devices based on the one or more
controls, the one or more controls indicating properties and/or
securities that the other device is to have in order for the photo to be
shared with the other device; receiving, from one of the at least one of
the one or more other devices, an indication that a user of the other
device has rejected the photo; and sharing, in response to the
indication, the photo with no other of the one or more other devices.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] Digital cameras today can be found in numerous different types of
devices, including dedicated digital cameras, cell phones, computers,
game consoles, and so forth. This widespread availability of digital
cameras allows users to take large numbers of digital photos, but
problems still remain. One such problem is that it can be difficult for
users to share the digital photos they take with other users. Sharing
digital photos is oftentimes a complex process involving numerous steps,
which can be time-consuming and frustrating for users.

SUMMARY

[0002] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed
Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0003] In accordance with one or more aspects, a photo captured at a
device is received. A determination of one or more other devices in close
proximity to the device is made. A determination of a connection between
the device and at least one of the one or more other devices is also
made, and the photo is automatically shared with at least one of the one
or more other devices.

[0004] In accordance with one or more aspects, in a setting with multiple
devices capable of showing photos, a connection between a photo taking
device and one or more other devices is determined. Properties,
permissions, and/or securities of the one or more other devices are also
determined. A photo taken by the photo taking device is received, and the
photo is shared with the one or more other devices based on at least one
of the properties, permissions, and/or securities. The photo is displayed
on at least some of the other devices, and an opportunity is provided for
rejection of the photo on at least some of the other devices prior to
sharing the photo with the one or more other devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like
features.

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system implementing the proximity and
connection based photo sharing in accordance with one or more
embodiments.

[0007]FIG. 2 illustrates another example system implementing the
proximity and connection based photo sharing in accordance with one or
more embodiments.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for
implementing proximity and connection based photo sharing in accordance
with one or more embodiments.

[0009]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example process for
implementing proximity and connection based photo sharing in accordance
with one or more embodiments.

[0010]FIG. 5 illustrates an example computing device that can be
configured to implement proximity and connection based photo sharing in
accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Proximity and connection based photo sharing is discussed herein.
Photos are shared among devices that are in close proximity to one
another and for which there is a connection among the devices. Devices
being in close proximity to one another refers to, for example, devices
being at the same location and/or within a threshold distance of one
another. There being a connection among devices refers to, for example,
the user of one of the devices being included in a social network of the
users of the other devices. The photos can be shared automatically, or
alternatively based on various user inputs. Various different controls
can also be placed on sharing photos to restrict the other devices with
which photos can be shared, the manner in which photos can be shared,
and/or how the photos are shared.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 implementing the proximity
and connection based photo sharing in accordance with one or more
embodiments. System 100 includes a device 102, a device 104, a device
106, and an online service 108 that can communicate with one another via
a network 110. Network 110 can be a variety of different networks,
including the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a public telephone
network, an intranet, other public and/or proprietary networks,
combinations thereof, and so forth. Although three devices 102-106 and
service 108 are illustrated, system 100 can include any number of devices
and any number of services.

[0013] Device 102 is illustrated as a dedicated digital camera, device 104
is illustrated as a tablet computer, and device 106 is illustrated as a
cellular phone. However, it should be noted that each device 102, 104,
and 106 can be a variety of different types of devices. For example, each
device 102-106 can be a desktop computer, a server computer, a laptop or
netbook computer, a tablet or notepad computer, a mobile station, an
entertainment appliance, a set-top box communicatively coupled to a
display device, a television or other display device, a cellular or other
wireless phone, a digital camera or camcorder, a game console, an
automotive computer, and so forth. Thus, devices 102-106 may range from
full resource devices with substantial memory and processor resources
(e.g., personal computers, game consoles) to low-resource devices with
limited memory and/or processing resources (e.g., traditional set-top
boxes, hand-held game consoles). Devices 102-106 can be different types
of devices and/or the same types of devices.

[0014] Online service 108 facilitates communication of various data and
information, including photos, among devices 102-106. Online service 108
includes an account access service 112, a photo sharing service 114, and
a social network service 116, each of which can communicate with one
another. Services 112, 114, and 116 can communicate with one another
within online service 108 and/or via devices 102-106. Online service 108
can also optionally include various additional functionality, including
messaging functionality, gaming functionality, and so forth.

[0015] Account access service 112 provides various functionality
supporting user accounts of online service 108. Different users and/or
devices 102-106 typically have different accounts with online service
108, and can log into their accounts via account access service 112. A
user or device 102-106 logs into an account providing credential
information, such as an id (e.g., user name, email address, etc.) and
password, a digital certificate or other data from a smartcard, and so
forth. Account access service 112 verifies or authenticates the
credential information, allowing a user or device 102-106 to access the
account if the credential information is verified or authenticated, and
prohibiting the user or device 102-106 from accessing the account if the
credential information is not verified or is not authenticated. Once a
user's credential information is authenticated, the user can use the
other services provided by online service 108. Account access service 112
can also provide various additional account management functionalities,
such as permitting changes to the credential information, establishing
new accounts, removing accounts, and so forth.

[0016] Photo sharing service 114 provides various functionality supporting
sharing of photos among devices 102-106. Photo sharing service 114
operates in conjunction with devices 102-106 and social network service
116 to facilitate sharing photos based on proximity of devices 102-106 to
one another as well as connections among devices 102-106, as discussed in
more detail below.

[0017] Social network service 116 provides various functionality
supporting social networks for users of devices 102-106. A user's social
network refers to other users or entities that the user is acquainted or
associated with, and such other users or entities are referred to as
being in the user's social network. These other users or entities can be
friends of the user, co-workers of the user, other entities identified by
the user, and so forth. Social network service 116 allows a user to
control who is in his or her social network, allowing the user to add
other users to his or her social network and allowing the user to remove
users from his or her social network. Social network service 116
facilitates, in conjunction with photo sharing service 114, sharing of
photos among the appropriate ones of devices 102-106, as discussed in
more detail below. Social network service 116 can also provide various
additional social networking functionality, such as posting of messages
or comments on a user's wall, communicating via email or other messaging
systems, and so forth.

[0018] A social network for a user of a device 102-106 can also be
established based on data on or acquired by the device 102-106 itself
rather than based on a social network service 116. This data can include,
for example, other users or entities on a user's contact list or in a
user's address book on the device, the length and frequency of phone
calls made to different users or entities, analysis of the content of
text and/or email messages to identify close friends and/or family, and
so forth. A user's social network can be based on social network service
116, data on or acquired by the user's device itself, or combinations
thereof. Thus, in some situations system 100 does not include social
network service 116.

[0019] Each of services 112, 114, and 116 can be implemented using one or
more devices. Typically these devices are server computers, but any of a
variety of different types of devices can alternatively be used (e.g.,
any of the types of devices discussed above with reference to devices
102-106). Each of services 112, 114, and 116 can be implemented using
multiple ones of the same and/or different types of devices.

[0020] Additionally, although services 112, 114, and 116 are illustrated
as separate services, alternatively one or more of these services can be
implemented as a single service. For example, photo sharing service 114
and social network service 116 can be implemented as a single service.
Furthermore, the functionality of one or more of services 112, 114, and
116 can be separated into multiple services. In addition, the
functionality of online service 108 can be separated into multiple
services. For example, online service 108 may include account access
service 112 and photo sharing service 114, and a different service can
include social network service 116.

[0021] Furthermore, although online service 108 is illustrated as separate
from devices 102-106, alternatively various functionality of online
service 108 can be implemented in devices 102-106. For example at least
some functionality of account access service 112, photo sharing service
114, and/or social network service 116 can be implemented in devices
102-106.

[0022] Devices 102, 104, and 106 each include a photo sharing module 122,
124, and 126, respectively. Photo sharing modules 122-126, operating in
conjunction with online service 108, facilitate sharing photos among
devices 102-106 based on proximity of devices 102-106 to one another as
well as connections among devices 102-106, as discussed in more detail
below.

[0023] Each device 102-106 receives user inputs from a user of the device.
User inputs can be provided in a variety of different manners, such as by
pressing one or more buttons of the device, pressing one or more keys of
a keypad or keyboard of the device, pressing one or more keys of a
controller (e.g., remote control device, mouse, track pad or touchpad,
etc.) of the device, pressing a particular portion of a touchpad or
touchscreen of the device, moving a finger or other object within a
particular distance of a pad or screen of the device, making a particular
gesture on a touchpad or touchscreen of the device, and/or making a
particular gesture on a controller (e.g., remote control device, mouse,
track pad or touchpad, etc.) of the device. User inputs can also be
provided via other physical feedback input to the device, such as tapping
any portion of the device, an action that can be recognized by a motion
detection component of the device (such as shaking the device, rotating
the device, etc.), and so forth. User inputs can also be provided in
other manners, such as via audible or voice inputs to a microphone, via
motions of hands or other body parts observed by an image capture device,
and so forth.

[0024]FIG. 2 illustrates another example system 200 implementing the
proximity and connection based photo sharing in accordance with one or
more embodiments. System 200 includes a device 202, a device 204, and a
device 206, each of which can be any of a variety of different types of
devices analogous to the discussion above regarding devices 102-106 of
FIG. 1. Each device 202, 204 and 206 includes a photo sharing module 212,
214, and 216, respectively. Photo sharing modules 212-216, operating in
conjunction with an online service (e.g., online service 108 of FIG. 1),
facilitate sharing photos among devices 202-206 based on proximity of
devices 202-206 to one another as well as connections among devices
202-206.

[0025] In the illustrated example, each device 202, 204, and 206 also
includes a photo capture component 222, 224, and 226, respectively. Photo
capture components 222, 224, and 226 are any of a variety of different
conventional image capture components or devices that can capture an
image. Capturing an image is also referred to as taking a picture or
taking a photo. Photo capture components 222, 224, and 226 can be based
on, for example, charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors and/or complementary
metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, although other types of sensors
can alternatively be used. Although illustrated as including photo
capture components 222, 224, and 226, alternatively one or more devices
202-206 may not include a photo capture component. A device without a
photo capture component is not able to take photos, but can still receive
and display photos shared by other devices.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the photo sharing support provided by
photo sharing modules 212-216 is based at least in part on proximity of
the devices 202-206. Using the techniques discussed herein, photos are
shared among devices that are in close proximity to one another, but are
not shared among devices that are not in close proximity to one another.
Two devices being in close proximity to one another refers to the two
devices being in the same setting and/or at the same location (e.g., in
the same room, in the same building, attending the same event (e.g., a
sporting event, a concert, etc.), and so forth) or within a threshold
distance of one another (e.g., within 50 meters of one another, within
200 meters of one another, etc.).

[0027] Whether two devices are in close proximity to one another can be
determined in a variety of different manners. In one or more embodiments,
each device determines other devices that are in close proximity to the
device. One device can determine that another device is in close
proximity in various manners. A device can determine whether another
device is in close proximity based on wireless signals transmitted by the
other device and/or wireless communication between the two devices using
transmitters, receivers, and/or protocols. For example, wireless signals
can be transmitted and/or wireless communication can occur using
transmitters, receivers, and/or protocols based on Bluetooth, Bluetooth
Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Infrared (IR) light,
and so forth. If the transmitters, receivers, and/or protocols support no
more than a threshold distance between devices, then a device can
determine that another device is within the threshold distance based on
whether a wireless signal is received from that other device.
Alternatively, a device can determine an approximate distance to another
device based on the type of wireless signal (and its known range) as well
as the strength (e.g., received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values)
of the wireless signal received from the other device.

[0028] A device that detects another device that is in close proximity can
optionally notify a photo sharing service (e.g., photo sharing service
114 of FIG. 1) that the two devices are in close proximity to one
another. The device can also optionally provide an identifier of the
device as well as the other device (e.g., as provided by the other
device) to the photo sharing service. The identifier of the device can
be, for example, an identifier of the user of the device (e.g., an
identifier used by the user to log in to an account access service, such
as account access service 112 of FIG. 1). The device can also optionally
notify the photo sharing service when the two devices are no longer in
close proximity to one another.

[0029] In other embodiments, a photo sharing service (e.g., photo sharing
service 114 of FIG. 1) determines that two devices are in close proximity
to one another, and can provide to each of the devices identifiers of
other devices that are in close proximity to the device. In such
embodiments, when a device captures a photo the device sends the photo
and/or metadata for the photo to the photo sharing service. The photo
sharing service can analyze the photo itself and/or metadata for the
photo to determine the location where the photo was taken. The photo
sharing service also knows the identity of the device that sent the photo
(e.g., due to the device having logged into an account via an account
access service (e.g., account access service 112 of FIG. 1), the device
sending an identifier of the device associated with the photo (e.g., as
part of metadata for the photo or otherwise associated with the photo),
and so forth).

[0030] The photo sharing service can analyze the photo itself and/or
metadata for the photo to determine the location where the photo was
taken in various manners. In one or more embodiments, the metadata for
the photo includes an indication of the location. The indication of the
location in the metadata for the photo can take various forms, such as
global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, indications of wireless
signals (e.g., Wi-Fi signals, cellular signals, etc.) and strengths
(e.g., RSSI values) of those signals that are detected by the device, a
location that the user of the device has checked into using a location
tracking service, and so forth. This indication of the location in the
metadata for the photo is used as the determined location of where the
photo was taken.

[0031] Alternatively, the photo sharing service can determine the location
where a photo was taken by analyzing the photo itself. Various different
public and/or private object detection processes or algorithms can be
used to identify known objects in photos, and the location of one or more
such known objects in a photo being used as the determined location of
where the photo was taken. Such objects can be particular buildings,
geographic features, signs, other landmarks, and so forth.

[0032] Alternatively, the photo sharing service need not determine the
specific location of where a photo was taken, but can just determine that
two photos were taken at the same location and thus that two devices that
took the two photos were in close proximity to one another. The photo
sharing service can analyze two photos using various different public
and/or private object detection processes or algorithms to identify
common objects in the two pictures. If there are at least a threshold
number of the same objects (e.g., one) present in each photo, then the
two photos are determined to have been taken at the same location. These
objects can be, for example, individuals (e.g., faces), buildings,
geographic features, signs, other landmarks, and so forth.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, when determining whether a photo is
shared with another device, whether two devices are in close proximity to
one another refers to whether the two devices are in close proximity to
one another at the time the photo is captured (or within a threshold
amount of time of when the photo is captured, such as five minutes, one
hour, etc.). Thus, photos are shared among devices that are in close
proximity to one another when the photos are captured, or within a
threshold amount of time of when the photos are captured.

[0034] Alternatively, in other embodiments whether two devices are in
close proximity to one another can refer to whether the two devices are
in close proximity to one another at times other than when the photo is
captured. Thus, in such embodiments, photos are shared among device that
are in the same setting and/or at the same location, or within a
threshold distance of the same setting and/or the same location, at
different times (e.g., separated by hours, days, years, etc.).

[0035] Determining whether a particular device is in close proximity to
another device is based on the setting and/or location of the particular
device, as discussed above. In one more embodiments, the setting and/or
location of the particular device is determined only after receiving user
consent to do so. This user consent can be an opt-in consent, where the
user takes an affirmative action to request that the setting and/or
location of the device be determined. Alternatively, this user consent
can be an opt-out consent, where the user takes an affirmative action to
request that the setting and/or location not be determined. If the user
does not choose to opt out of this setting and/or location determination,
then it is an implied consent by the user that the setting and/or
location be recorded. A privacy statement can also be displayed to the
user, explaining to the user how determined settings and/or locations are
kept confidential. Furthermore, it should be noted that the determining
of settings and/or locations of the particular device need not, and
typically does not, include recording or determining any personal
information identifying particular users. Thus, although settings and/or
locations for a particular user may be determined, no indication of that
particular user is determined or recorded.

[0036] The photo sharing support provided by photo sharing modules 212-216
is also based at least in part on the social networks of the users of the
devices 202-206. Using the techniques discussed herein, photos are shared
among devices that are in close proximity to one another and for which
there is a connection among the devices. A connection between two devices
refers to the user of at least one of the two devices being included in a
social network of the user of the other device. For a particular user,
the users in a social network of the particular user with which a photo
is shared can be identified in different manners. For example, a photo
sharing service (such as photo sharing service 114 of FIG. 1) can access
a social network service (such as social network service 116 of FIG. 1)
to identify the users in a social network of the particular user, or a
photo sharing module 212-216 can access the social network service to
identify the users in a social network of the particular user. By way of
another example, a photo sharing module 212-216 can access a contact list
or address book to identify users in a social network of the particular
user.

[0037] It should be noted that the determination of the devices among
which there is a connection can be used to determine which photos are
analyzed by a photo sharing service to determine two photos were taken at
the same location. Rather than analyzing the photos received from all
devices to determine whether two photos were taken at the same location,
for each photo the photo sharing service receives from a particular
device, the photo sharing service can analyze the photo with respect to
just the photos received from other devices with which there is a
connection with that particular device.

[0038] A device can have one or more users, each of which can identify
themselves using various credentials. In one or more embodiments, the
user of a device at any particular time is the user that is logged in to
an account of the online service (e.g., via account access service 112 of
FIG. 1). It should be noted that the user of a device can change over
time. As discussed herein, sharing a photo with a device is also referred
to as sharing the photo with the user of the device.

[0039] The determination of which photos are shared with which devices can
be made at the devices themselves and/or at the photo sharing service
(e.g., service 114 of FIG. 1). For example, photos captured by a device
can be sent to the photo sharing service, and the photo sharing services
determines based on a social network of the user of the device and the
proximity of the device to other devices which other devices to share
those photos with. By way of another example, an indication of a social
network of a user of a device can be provided by an online service (e.g.,
online service 108 of FIG. 1), and the device can use the indication of
the social network as well as the proximity of other devices (e.g., as
determined by the device or as determined by the online service and
provided to the device) to determine which other devices to share photos
with.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, photos taken at a device are shared
automatically with other devices in close proximity to, and for which
there is a connection with, the photo taking device. No additional
actions need be performed by the user of the photo taking device to share
photos with other devices. Alternatively, the user can be prompted to
confirm that he or she desires to begin automatically sharing photos with
the other devices, and the photos are automatically shared or not shared
based on whether the user confirmation is received.

[0041] Alternatively, photos captured at a device are shared with
user-selected ones of other devices in close proximity to, and for which
there is a connection with, the photo taking device. The user-selected
devices are selected by the user of the photo taking device, and can be
selected when a photo is captured. For example, when a photo is captured,
the user of the photo taking device can be presented with a list of users
of other devices in close proximity to, and for which there is a
connection with, the photo taking device. The user can provide various
user inputs to select particular users from the presented list of users,
and the photos are shared with the devices used by the selected
particular users.

[0042] The user of the photo taking device can be presented with a list of
users of other devices each time a photo is captured, or alternatively in
response to a user request for the list of users. The user of the photo
taking device can request that a list of users of other devices in close
proximity to, and for which there is a connection with, be presented. A
user selection of particular users from the list is received and
recorded. Subsequently captured photos are then shared with the devices
used by the selected particular users until a user input requesting that
sharing stop or another user selection of particular users from the list
is received.

[0043] The list of users presented to the user of the photo taking device
can also be filtered in a variety of different manners to determine which
users are presented in the list and/or an ordering of users in the list.
The filtering can be based on frequency with which photos are shared with
particular other users. For example, the list can be ordered based on
frequency of photo sharing, so that the users are listed in order (e.g.,
top to bottom) from the user that photos are most frequently shared with
to the user that photos are least frequently shared with. By way of
another example, the list can be filtered to include only those users
with which photos are shared with at least a threshold frequency (e.g.,
at least a particular percentage of photos have been shared with the
user, at least a particular number of photos have been shared with the
user over a particular time frame, etc.).

[0044] Alternatively, the filtering can be based on various other
criteria. For example, the list of users can be filtered based on whether
other users share photos with the user of the photo taking device. By way
of another example, the list of users can be filtered based on how close
the devices of the users are to the photo taking device (e.g., the list
can be ordered based on proximity, so users of devices are listed in
order (e.g., top to bottom) from the user of the device that is
physically closest to the photo taking device, to the user of the device
that is physically furthest from the photo taking device).

[0045] Additionally, in one or more embodiments records of user-selected
other users with which photos are to be shared for particular locations
can be maintained. Such records can be maintained by photo sharing
modules 212-216 for their respective devices 202-206, and/or by an online
service (e.g., online service 108 of FIG. 1). A user of a device can
provide various inputs to request that a list of users of other devices
with which there is a connection be presented, and provide various inputs
to select particular users from the list. The current location of the
device is determined, and a record maintained of the current location of
the device and the selected particular users. When the device is
subsequently at that same location, the record is used to identify the
selected particular users, and photos captured at that location are then
shared with the devices used by those selected particular users that are
in close proximity when the photos are captured.

[0046] Sharing photos between two devices generally refers to one device
allowing a photo to be displayed on another device. Photos can be shared
between two devices in a variety of different manners. In one or more
embodiments, photos are shared by being transferred or sent from one
device to another. For example, the photo can be stored as a file (or
included as part of a file storing multiple photos) and sent directly to
another device. Photos can be transferred directly from one device to
another via any of a variety of different wireless communication
protocols, or optionally transferred via a network (such as network 110
of FIG. 1). Photos can alternatively be transferred from one device to
another via a photo sharing service (such as photo sharing service 114 of
FIG. 1). For example, the photo can be stored as a file (or included as
part of a file storing multiple photos) and sent to the photo sharing
service, which in turn sends the file to another device.

[0047] Photos can be sent using email addresses, or alternatively other
identifiers of devices and/or users (e.g., as maintained by an online
service such as online service 108 of FIG. 1, as maintained in contact
lists or address books of devices 202-206, and so forth). For example,
photos can be sent by the photo taking device to an email address of a
user, another account name or identifier of the user for a service
supporting messaging, and so forth. By way of another example, photos can
be sent by the photo taking device to an email address managed by a photo
sharing service (such as photo sharing service 114 of FIG. 1), and the
photo sharing service can send the photos to an email address of a user,
another account name or identifier of the user for a service supporting
messaging, and so forth. Photos can also be sent via a specialized or
dedicated photo channel, such as a channel on a television, on any of a
variety of different types of devices, and so forth.

[0048] Email addresses can optionally be filtered based on situational
awareness of the device. The device can be in different situations (e.g.,
at work, at a party, at a sporting event, and so forth). The situation
that a device is in at any particular time can be identified in different
manners, such as being input or otherwise indicated by a user of the
device, being based on a time of day (e.g., at work from 8 am to 5 pm),
being based on day or date (e.g., not at work on Saturday, Sunday, or
January 1), being based on location of the device (e.g., based on GPS
coordinates of the device, Wi-Fi signals detected by the device, etc.),
and so forth. A user can have multiple email addresses, such as a
personal email address and a work email address. The situation the device
is in at any given time can be identified, and if determined that the
current situation is work then the work email address of the user is
automatically selected as the email address to which photos are sent, and
if determined that the current situation is not work then the personal
email address of the user is automatically selected as the email address
to which photos are sent.

[0049] Alternatively, in one or more embodiments rather than sending files
that include the photos, photos are shared by being made available to
other devices for temporary viewing. The photos can be made available to
other devices for temporary viewing by the device that captures the
photos and/or by a photo sharing service (such as photo sharing service
114 of FIG. 1). The duration for which the photos are available for
viewing can vary (e.g., the photos may be displayed once after which they
are no longer available for viewing, the photos may be displayed for
thirty minutes, for one day, and so forth). For example, a slideshow of
photos can be streamed to the other device, which displays the photos as
they are received in the stream but does not store the stream or the
photos. The slideshow can optionally be a repeating slideshow, repeatedly
displaying multiple photos. By way of another example, the photos can be
made available for viewing (but not downloading) from a particular
location or site via a network such as network 110 of FIG. 1 (e.g., a
location or site hosted by photo sharing service 114).

[0050] Various different controls can be placed on sharing photos to
restrict how the photos are shared, such as the other devices with which
photos can be shared, the manner in which photos can be shared, and so
forth. The controls that are associated with a particular photo can be
determined in different manners, such as by a developer or distributor of
a device or photo sharing service (such as photo sharing service 114 of
FIG. 1), by a user or administrator of a device or the photo sharing
service, and so forth. These controls can identify particular types of
devices with which photos can be shared, particular security mechanisms
or policies that a particular device is to have in place or adhere to in
order for the photos to be shared, a lifetime of the photo (indicating a
duration for which the photo can be displayed on a device), and so forth.

[0051] The controls can be associated with the photo by devices 202-206
and/or by a photo sharing service (such as photo sharing service 114 of
FIG. 1). The controls can be associated with the photo when the photo is
captured, such as being included as metadata for the photo by the photo
capture component and/or photo sharing module of the device capturing the
photo. The controls can alternatively be associated with the photo at
other times, such as when the photo is shared. For example, the controls
associated with a photo can be included as metadata for the photo by a
photo sharing module of the device capturing the photo and/or by a photo
sharing service (such as photo sharing service 114 of FIG. 1) in response
to a determination being made that the photo is to be shared (based on
proximity of and connection with another device, as discussed above).

[0052] The controls associated with a photo can be enforced by the photo
sharing modules 212-216 and/or by a photo sharing service (such as photo
sharing service 114 of FIG. 1). In one or more embodiments, the photo
sharing module 212-216 on a device with which a photo is shared verifies
that the controls are satisfied by that device prior to displaying the
photo. If the controls are not satisfied, then the photo sharing module
on that device does not present the photo (even though the device is in
close proximity to and connected with the photo taking device).

[0053] Alternatively, the photo sharing module 212 on the device that
captured the photo, or the photo sharing service (such as photo sharing
service 114 of FIG. 1) sharing the photo verifies that the controls are
satisfied by a device prior to sharing the photo with the device. Whether
a device satisfies the controls can be determined by the device capturing
the photo or the photo sharing service in different manners, such as by
the device providing a digital certificate or other verified proof that
the controls are satisfied. If the controls are not satisfied by a
device, then the photo is not shared with the device (even though the
device is in close proximity to and connected with the photo taking
device).

[0054] The controls associated with a photo can also be referred to as the
permissions of a device for that photo. The permissions of a device
indicate what actions can and/or cannot be taken by the device with
respect to the photo. These permissions can indicate, for example,
whether the photo can be displayed on the device, a lifetime of the
photo, whether the device can share the photo with other devices, and so
forth.

[0055] The controls associated with a photo can be based on and indicate
various securities of a device. The securities of a device refer to
security mechanisms or policies that the device has in place or to which
the device adheres. The controls can indicate the securities that a
device is to have in order for the photo to be shared with the device.
The securities of a device can identify various aspects of the device,
such as the manner in which the device stores photos (e.g., encrypted or
unencrypted, in a protected storage area so that other users of the
device are prevented from viewing the photos, etc.), policies that the
device adheres to regarding sending photos to other devices or printing
photos, policies that the device adheres to regarding storage of photos
on removable storage devices, particular security components or modules
(and their versions) included on the device, and so forth.

[0056] The controls associated with a photo can be based on and indicate
various properties (or property) of a device. The properties of a device
refer to various configuration settings and/or characteristics of the
device. The controls can indicate the properties that a device is to have
in order for the photo to be shared with the device. The properties of a
device can identify various settings and/or characteristics of the
device, such as types of storage devices (e.g., removable or
non-removable) included as part of the device, the size of a display
screen of the device, a resolution of the display screen of the device, a
type of network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.) used by the
device to access an online service (such as online service 108 of FIG. 1)
at a particular time, and so forth.

[0057] The permissions of a device can also identify a lifetime of the
photo on the device. The lifetime of the photo indicates the duration for
which the photo can be displayed on the device with which the photo is
shared. The lifetime can be identified in different manners, such as an
expiration date and/or time (after which the photo can no longer be
displayed on the device with which the photo is shared), an amount of
elapsed time (e.g., a particular number of minutes or hours after being
received that the photo can be displayed on the device with which the
photo is shared), a number of times the photo can be displayed on the
device with which the photo is shared (e.g., one time), and so forth.

[0058] A device can have different users at different times as discussed
above. In one or more embodiments, the permissions, properties, and
securities of a device are based on the device itself regardless of the
user of the device at any particular time. Thus, in such embodiments the
permissions, properties, and securities of a device are the same for
different users of the device. Alternatively, the permissions,
properties, and/or securities of a device can be based on a user of the
device. In such embodiments, the permissions, properties, and/or
securities of a device can be different for different users of the
device.

[0059] A photo can be shared with a device automatically or based on
various user inputs, as discussed above. In one or more embodiments, a
receiving device (the device with which photos are shared) automatically
receives the shared photo, and can display or otherwise present the
shared photo and/or a notification of the shared photo to the user of the
receiving device. Alternatively, situations can arise in which the
receiving device does not automatically receive the shared photo and/or
present a notification of the shared photo. For example, a receiving
device can be contextually aware of the user's actions and readily
determine whether the user is currently using the device (e.g., making a
phone call, playing a game, etc.). If the receiving device is currently
being used by the user, then the photo is not shared with the receiving
device (or alternatively the photo is shared but no notification of the
photo is displayed or otherwise presented by that receiving device). By
way of another example, a user input selecting a configuration setting to
disable receipt of shared photos can be received, in response to which
the photo is not shared with the receiving device.

[0060] Additionally, situations can arise in which the same user has
multiple receiving devices in close proximity to the photo sharing
device. In such situations, the photos can be shared with all of the
receiving devices of the user that are in close proximity to the photo
sharing device. Alternatively, one or more of the receiving devices of
the user that are in close proximity to the photo sharing device can be
selected to receive the photos. These one or more receiving devices can
be determined in different manners. In one or more embodiments, a
receiving device is contextually aware of the user's actions, and readily
determines whether the user is currently using the device (e.g., making a
phone call, playing a game, etc.). If a receiving device is currently
being used by the user, then the photo is not shared with that receiving
device (or alternatively the photo is shared but no notification of the
photo is displayed or otherwise presented by that receiving device). In
other embodiments, one or more default receiving devices of the user are
identified, and the photos are shared with the default receiving devices
of the user but not the other receiving devices of the user (or
alternatively the photo is shared with the other receiving devices of the
user but no notification of the photo is displayed or otherwise presented
by those other receiving devices of the user). The one or more default
receiving devices can be identified in different manners, such as based
on a user input to a device (e.g., requesting shared photos, selecting a
configuration setting identifying one or more default devices, etc.),
based on an order in which devices were identified as being in close
proximity to the photo sharing device (e.g., the device most recently (or
initially) determined as being in close proximity to the photo sharing
device is the default receiving device), based on a type of device (e.g.,
devices can have priorities based on the type of device, and a highest
priority device is identified as the default receiving device of the
user), based on random selection or other rules or criteria, and so
forth.

[0061] If a photo is not to be shared with a particular receiving device,
this non-sharing can be implemented in various manners. For example, the
photo sharing device or photo sharing service can be notified (e.g., by
the receiving device) that the receiving device is not to receive shared
photos even though the receiving device is in close proximity to a photo
sharing device. In response to such a notification, the photo sharing
device or photo sharing service does not share photos with the receiving
device. By way of another example, the receiving device can simply not
access a particular location or site from which the photos are available.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, multiple users of the other devices are
able to provide input regarding whether a photo including that user is
shared. The users of the other devices that are in close proximity to,
and for which there is a connection with, a photo taking device can
provide various user inputs to reject a photo and prevent a photo
including themselves from being shared. The user inputs can be provided
prior to the image being captured, such as by a user input indicating "No
photos of me at this location are to be shared". In response to such an
input, an indication of the input is provided to the photo sharing
service (e.g., photo sharing service 114 of FIG. 1) and/or the other
devices that are in close proximity to, and for which there is a
connection with, the device of the user to reject photos including that
user. In response, the photo sharing service and/or other devices do not
share photos including that user.

[0063] The user inputs can alternatively be provided in response to a
shared photo, such as by a user viewing a shared photo and providing a
user input indicating "Do not share this photo". Prior to sharing of the
photo being finalized, the photo taking device can optionally share the
photo with other devices (e.g., that are in close proximity to and for
which there is a connection with the photo taking device and) that are
used by a user that is identified as being included in the photo. The
user can be identified as being in the photo using various different
public and/or private face recognition processes or algorithms. In
response to such an input indicating the photo is not to be shared, an
indication of the input is provided to the photo sharing service (e.g.,
photo sharing service 114 of FIG. 1) and/or the device that captured the
photo to not share that particular photo. In response, the photo sharing
service and/or photo capture device finalizes sharing of the photo by not
sharing the photo including that user. If no such indication is received,
sharing of the photo is finalized by sharing the photo with all devices
that are in close proximity to, and for which there is a connection with,
the photo taking device.

[0064] It should be noted that not sharing a photo including a user can be
performed in various different manners. In one or more embodiments, no
portion of the photo is shared with other devices--the photo is not
included in a file sent to other devices, the file is not stored by a
photo sharing service (e.g., photo sharing service 112 of FIG. 1), the
photo is not streamed to other devices, and so forth. Alternatively, the
photo is altered to remove the user, and the altered photo is shared with
other devices. The photo can be altered using any of a variety of public
and/or private image editing processes or algorithms to delete the user
from the photo (e.g., replacing the user with background data obtained
from one or more other photos, moving users in the photo to squeeze them
together to avoid an empty spot where the removed user was, etc.). Thus,
the photo is still shared with other devices, but is shared without the
user.

[0065] Thus, a user is able to reject or veto particular photos from being
shared. The user can reject or veto particular photos that include the
user, even though those photos are taken by other users' devices.

[0066] Using the techniques discussed herein, photo sharing can be
implemented in a variety of different manners. In one or more
embodiments, captured photos are analyzed to identify one or more users
in the photos, and devices that are in close proximity to the photo
taking device are determined. The captured photos are then shared with
another device only if the other device is in close proximity to the
photo taking device, there is a connection between the other device and
the photo taking device, and a user of the other device is included in
the photo.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the social network of a user is
analyzed and categorized into groups based on various criteria input by
the user. The criteria can identify, for example, all family members,
close family members, close friends, all friends, co-workers, and so
forth. A particular user input, such as a voice command "share with Mom"
or "send to close friends" is associated with each of the groups, and
this association is maintained. The association can be maintained by the
devices (e.g., photo sharing modules 212-216), or a service (e.g., photo
sharing service 112 of FIG. 1). Subsequently, in response to a photo
being captured and a particular user input, the captured photo is
automatically shared with the users included in the associated group
(optionally only if the devices being used by the user are in close
proximity to the photo taking device).

[0068] Various additional filters can also be associated with each of the
groups, the filters identifying whether a captured photo is automatically
shared with an associated group. The filters can identify one or more
users, various situations that a device may be in at any particular time,
and so forth. For example, a filter can indicate to automatically share
photos including a particular user (e.g., as identified using various
different public and/or private face recognition processes or algorithms)
with a particular group (e.g., the user's mother). By way of another
example, a filter can indicate that photos taken in any situation other
than work are to be automatically shared with all groups except one or
more particular groups (e.g., the user's co-workers).

[0069] In one or more embodiments, captured photos are analyzed to
identify one or more users in the photos, and for each of the one or more
users an email address of the user is obtained (e.g., from a social
network service, such as social network service 116 of FIG. 1). For each
captured photo, the captured photo is sent to the email address of each
user identified in the photo (optionally only if the devices being used
by the user are in close proximity to the photo taking device).

[0070] In one or more embodiments, photos are made available to other
devices by a photo stream or site accessible to those other devices. A
token is established, such as by the photo taking device or a photo
sharing service (e.g., photo sharing service 112 of FIG. 1), and provided
to the other device with which the photos are shared. The token can be
provided to other devices in various manners, such as by sending the
token to an email address of a user of the other device, transmitting the
token to the other device based on an identifier of the other device,
displaying the token for capture by a photo capture component of the
other device, and so forth. The token permits a device to access a photo
stream, and the token is provided to each device with which photos are to
be shared. The token includes, for example, a Uniform Resource Locator
(URL) of a site or location where the photos are stored, identifiers of
controls associated with the photos to be shared, and optionally other
data as appropriate (e.g., a password or other credentials) to allow
access to the photos at the site or location for a particular amount of
time. The photo taking device stores photos at the photo stream or site,
and the other devices can use the token to obtain the photos from the
photo stream or site without further input by the photo taking device (or
a user of the photo taking device).

[0071] The tokens can be distributed in various manners. In one or more
embodiments, tokens are transmitted from a photo taking device or photo
sharing service to another device, allowing that other device to access
the photo stream. Alternatively, the tokens can be transmitted in other
manners, such as being printed on or otherwise attached to physical
media. The tokens can themselves be printed or affixed to the physical
media, or the tokens can be encoded (e.g., using a high capacity color
barcode (HCCB), a quick response (QR) code, a barcode, and so forth) and
the encoded token printed on or otherwise attached to the physical media.
The user of a device can then provide the token or otherwise make the
token available to his or her device. For example, the user can enter the
characters of the token on his or her device, have his or her device
capture and decode an encoded token, and so forth. The tokens can be
printed or attached to various physical media, such as a user's business
card, promotional materials, postcards, brochures, and so forth.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, photos to be shared are sent from the
photo taking device to another location for storage. This other location
can be a site or location identified by the photo taking device, a site
or location identified by a photo sharing service (e.g., photo sharing
service 112 of FIG. 1) to which the photo taking device sends the photo,
and so forth. The photo taking device can optionally receive, in response
to sending the photo to another device or service, an indication of a
location or site where the photo is stored, allowing the photo taking
device to subsequently access the photo at that location or site. The
photo taking device also assigns identifiers to the photos, allowing the
photos to be distinguished from one another. The photo taking device can
subsequently use the identifier to reference the photo at the location or
site where the photo is stored, such as to delete the photo, alter the
content of the photo (e.g., to remove someone from the photo), update
data associated with the photo (e.g., controls or other metadata for the
photo), and so forth.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, photos captured at a device in close
proximity to, and for which there is a connection with, the photo taking
device are treated as being given implicit permission to view the photos.
However, the permission is temporary (having a particular lifetime, as
discussed above), optionally unless the user of the photo taking device
and the device with which the photos are shared agree to other terms. For
example, after taking a photo at a meeting or in a public place, other
devices in close proximity to, and for which there is a connection with,
the photo taking device have permission to view the photograph for a
limited time period. After the limited time period elapses, the photo
fades out, blurs, is deleted, etc. from the device with which the photo
was shared unless the user of the photo taking device explicitly or
implicitly grants permission for others, or specific users, to keep the
photo for longer (e.g., permanently or some other duration). Furthermore
the digital rights granted by such sharing may have associated controls
which restrict or otherwise limit what the recipient may do with the
photo during the time-period in which they may view it, including
restricting the ability to share the photo further with others, to take
screen clippings of the photo, to save the photo to secondary storage or
a service via the Internet, view the photo, and so forth. If the controls
restrict the ability view the photo, a blurred or degraded version of the
photo can optionally remain at the device with which the photo was shared
as a token that allows that device to contact the photographer (the user
of the photo taking device) and re-negotiate access to the photo,
optionally including payment for such access, as desired.

[0074] Photos captured at a device can also be made available to other
devices that are in the same setting and/or at the same location, or
within a threshold distance of the same setting and/or the same location,
at the same and/or different times. Different characteristics of the
photos can be identified and optionally stored as associated with the
photos. These characteristics of the photo identify the subject matter of
the photo and/or other aspects of the photo, such as identifying objects
in the photo, identifying locations and/or settings of the photo,
identifying individuals in the photo, and so forth. These characteristics
can be identified in various manners, such as by the user of the device
that captured the photo, based on analysis of the photo using various
public and/or proprietary algorithms or techniques (e.g., to identify
individuals, landmarks, sunsets, etc.), based on the location (e.g., the
location the photo was captured is within a threshold distance of a known
location of a particular landmark), and so forth.

[0075] These different characteristics allow users to search for photos
taken in the same setting and/or at the same location. For example, a
user can search for photos having a characteristic of "sunset", and
photos in the same setting and/or at the same location, or within a
threshold distance of the same setting and/or the same location, at the
same and/or different times having the characteristic of "sunset" can be
identified and shared with the user's device. These photos can be shared
with the user's device while the user's device is in the same setting
and/or at the same location, or within a threshold distance of the same
setting and/or the same location, or alternatively at a later time after
the user's device has been in the same setting and/or at the same
location, or within a threshold distance of the same setting and/or the
same location. For example, a record that the user's device was at a
particular location and/or in a particular setting can be maintained, and
the photos captured in the same setting and/or at the same location, or
within a threshold distance of the same setting and/or the same location,
can be shared with the user's device at a later time.

[0076] Different settings and/or locations can also be associated with
different labels. These different labels can be assigned in various
manners, such as by an administrator, user, other device/service, etc.
that associates labels with settings and/or locations. These labels allow
a public share to be maintained associated with particular settings
and/or locations, and photo taking devices treated as being given
implicit permission to view the photos in that public share. For example,
a public share of "Yosemite" can be established, corresponding to
locations that are within a threshold distance of Yosemite National Park.
While a user is within a threshold distance of Yosemite National Park
(and optionally after no longer being within that threshold distance),
the photos captured by other devices within the threshold distance of
Yosemite National Park can be shared with the user's device. The user can
also optionally search on particular characteristics, such as "sunset" or
"waterfall" to view photos captured by other device within a threshold
distance of Yosemite National Park and that are associated with those
particular characteristics.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, photos captured at a device in close
proximity to, and for which there is a connection with, the photo taking
device are combined with other elements of sensed context, such as device
orientation, device motion, footfalls detected through an accelerometer
of the device, shifts in location of the device, and so forth. These
different elements of sensed context can be identified as user inputs
regarding various aspects of sharing photos. The user inputs can include
various gestures to send and/or receive captured photos, and multiple
gestures can be available to provide different indications of what aspect
of a photo to share and/or how to share the photo. For example, in a
slideshow mode, a user of the photo taking device can temporarily
"project" photos to other nearby devices (e.g., as a stream of photos) to
enable other users in close proximity to view the photos but not take any
other action with the photos, and the photos are no longer available on
the receiving devices as soon as the presenter advances to the next
slide/photo. By way of another example, the user of the photo taking
device can employ a different gesture, a variation on the gesture, invoke
a different command from a menu prior to or after completing the sharing
gesture, and so forth to "give" a photo to another user (allowing the
other user to keep the photo permanently), "loan" a photo to another user
(allowing the other user to keep the photo for some duration of time),
share only a portion of a photo, and so on.

[0078] Any of various different user inputs or gestures can be used to
indicate any of a variety of different photos to share and/or how to
share the photos. For example, two devices can be bumped together to
indicate that photos are to be shared. By way of another example, a touch
or pen gesture that starts on the screen of a device A and ends on the
screen of a device B can indicate that photos are to be shared from
device A to device B. By way of another example, a user of a particular
device can slide a finger to the top of the screen of the particular
device and hold his or her finger there, and other users of other devices
nearby can touch the tops of the screens of their devices and slide their
fingers down the screen to receive the photos shared by the particular
device. By way of yet another example, a user of a particular device can
"hold" (e.g., touch or otherwise select) one or more photos to share and
point the particular device towards another device to transmit the photos
to the other device (e.g., via an IR communication channel, via a
Bluetooth communication channel, or via another wireless communication
channel). The other device can be identified in different manners, such
as using techniques associated with the particular communication channel,
the locations of the devices, inputs provided by the users of the
devices, and so forth.

[0079] In the discussions herein, reference is made to a device sharing
photos, and that the sharing of photos can be automatic or in response to
a request from a user of the photo taking device. It should be noted that
the sharing of photos can also be initiated by the device with which the
photos are shared. For example, a device can detect (e.g., automatically
or in response to a user input) that the photo taking device is in close
proximity and send a request (e.g., via a photo sharing service such as
photo sharing service 112 of FIG. 1) to the photo taking device for the
photo taking device to share photos. The photo taking device can, in
response to the request, automatically share photos with the requesting
device or share photos in response to a user input (e.g., confirmation
that sharing is permitted).

[0080] It should also be noted that, although reference is made to the
sharing of photos herein, photos are examples and that various other
types of content can alternatively be shared analogously. For example,
captured video can be shared using the techniques discussed herein,
captured audio can be shared using the techniques discussed herein, and
so forth.

[0081] In the discussions herein, reference is also made to the photo
taking device sharing photos. It should be noted that the photo taking
device is one device that can share photos, and that other devices can
optionally share photos (optionally subject to the controls associated
with the photos, as discussed above). The various techniques discussed
herein as being performed by the capture device can alternatively be
performed by another device with which the photos were shared by the
capture device or which otherwise obtained the photos.

[0082]FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 300 for
implementing proximity and connection based photo sharing in accordance
with one or more embodiments. Process 300 is carried out by a device,
such as a device 102-106 of FIG. 1 or a device 202-206 of FIG. 2, or a
service such as photo sharing service 114 of FIG. 1, and can be
implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof.
Process 300 is shown as a set of acts and is not limited to the order
shown for performing the operations of the various acts. Process 300 is
an example process for implementing proximity and connection based photo
sharing; additional discussions of implementing proximity and connection
based photo sharing are included herein with reference to different
figures.

[0083] In process 300, a photo captured at a device is received (act 302).
The photo can be captured at a photo taking device implementing process
300, or alternatively can be received from the photo taking device.

[0084] One or more other devices in close proximity to the photo taking
device are determined (act 304). These one or more devices can be
determined in various manners, such as based on image analysis, GPS
coordinates, indications of wireless signals detected at the devices, and
so forth as discussed above.

[0085] A connection between the photo taking device and at least one of
the one or more other devices is determined (act 306). A connection
between two devices refers to the user of at least one of the two devices
being included in a social network of the user of the other device as
discussed above.

[0086] The photo is shared with at least one of the one or more other
devices (act 308). This sharing can be performed in various manners, and
various restrictions can be placed on the sharing as discussed above.

[0087] An indication that a user has rejected the photo can be received
from at least one device (act 310). The indication is typically received
from a user included in the photo, as discussed above.

[0088] In response to the indication that a user has rejected the photo,
the photo is shared with no other of the one or more other devices (act
312). Sharing the photo with no other of the one or more devices, or not
sharing the photo, can be accomplished in different manners, such as
altering the photo to remove the user from the photo or sharing no
portion of the photo with other devices, as discussed above.

[0089]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 400 for
implementing proximity and connection based photo sharing in accordance
with one or more embodiments. Process 400 is carried out in a system,
such as system 100 of FIG. 1, and can be implemented in software,
firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof. Process 400 is shown as a
set of acts and is not limited to the order shown for performing the
operations of the various acts. Process 400 is an example process for
implementing proximity and connection based photo sharing; additional
discussions of implementing proximity and connection based photo sharing
are included herein with reference to different figures.

[0090] In process 400, a connection between a photo taking device and one
or more other devices is determined (act 402). A connection between two
devices refers to the user of at least one of the two devices being
included in a social network of the user of the other device as discussed
above.

[0091] Properties, permissions, and/or securities of the one or more
devices are determined (act 404). The permissions of a device indicate
what actions can and/or cannot be taken by the device with respect to the
photo, as discussed above. The securities of a device refer to security
mechanisms or policies that the device has in place or adheres to, as
discussed above. The properties of a device refer to various
configuration settings and/or characteristics of the device, as discussed
above.

[0092] A photo taken by the photo taking device is received (act 406). The
photo can be taken by a photo capturing component of the photo taking
device in various manners, as discussed above.

[0093] The photo is shared with one or more other devices based on at
least one of the properties, permissions, and/or securities (act 408).
Controls associated with the photo indicate the properties, permissions,
and/or securities a device is to have in order for the photo to be shared
with the device, as discussed above.

[0094] The photo is displayed on at least some of the other devices (act
410). The devices on which the photo is displayed can be those devices
being used by users that are included in the picture, as discussed above.

[0095] An opportunity for rejection of the photo on at least some of the
devices is provided (act 412). The devices at which the opportunity is
provided are those devices on which the photo is displayed in act 410,
and the opportunity is provided prior to finalizing sharing of the photo
as discussed above. A user can provide various inputs to indicate that
the photo is rejected, as discussed above.

[0096] The techniques discussed herein provide various different usage
scenarios. For example, a user can attend an event (such as a concert, a
wedding, a sporting event, etc.), and easily share the photos he or she
takes at that event with his or her friends that also attended the event.
His or her friends can also easily share the photos they take at that
event with the user, allowing the user to obtain a larger collection of
photos from the event than he or she would have if relying on only the
photos that he or she took.

[0097] Various actions such as communicating, receiving, sending,
recording, storing, obtaining, and so forth performed by various modules
are discussed herein. A particular module discussed herein as performing
an action includes that particular module itself performing the action,
or alternatively that particular module invoking or otherwise accessing
another component or module that performs the action (or performs the
action in conjunction with that particular module). Thus, a particular
module performing an action includes that particular module itself
performing the action and/or another module invoked or otherwise accessed
by that particular module performing the action.

[0098]FIG. 5 illustrates an example computing device 500 that can be
configured to implement proximity and connection based photo sharing in
accordance with one or more embodiments. Computing device 500 can, for
example, be a device 102-106 of FIG. 1, implement at least part of online
service 108 of FIG. 1, or be a device 202-206 of FIG. 2, and so forth.

[0099] Computing device 500 as illustrated includes a processing system
502, one or more computer-readable media 504, and one or more I/O
Interfaces 506 that are communicatively coupled to one another. Although
not shown, computing device 500 can further include a system bus or other
data and command transfer system that couples the various components to
one another. A system bus can include any one or combination of different
bus structures, such as a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral
bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a processor or local bus that
utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures. A variety of other
examples are also contemplated, such as control and data lines.

[0100] Processing system 502 is representative of functionality to perform
one or more operations using hardware. Accordingly, processing system 502
is illustrated as including hardware elements 508 that can be configured
as processors, functional blocks, and so forth. This can include
implementation in hardware as an application specific integrated circuit
or other logic device formed using one or more semiconductors. Hardware
elements 508 are not limited by the materials from which they are formed
or the processing mechanisms employed therein. For example, processors
can be comprised of semiconductor(s) and/or transistors (e.g., electronic
integrated circuits (ICs)). In such a context, processor-executable
instructions can be electronically-executable instructions.

[0101] Computer-readable media 504 is illustrated as including
memory/storage 510. Memory/storage 510 represents memory/storage capacity
associated with one or more computer-readable media. Memory/storage 510
can include volatile media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and/or
nonvolatile media (such as read only memory (ROM), Flash memory, optical
disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). Memory/storage 510 can include
fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, a fixed hard drive, and so on) as well as
removable media (e.g., Flash memory, a removable hard drive, an optical
disc, and so forth). Computer-readable media 504 can be configured in a
variety of other ways as further described below.

[0102] Input/output interface(s) 506 are representative of functionality
to allow a user to enter commands and information to computing device
500, and also allow information to be presented to the user and/or other
components or devices using various input/output devices. Examples of
input devices include a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., a
mouse), a microphone (e.g., for voice or other audible inputs), a
scanner, touch functionality (e.g., capacitive or other sensors that are
configured to detect physical touch), a camera (e.g., which may employ
visible or non-visible wavelengths such as infrared frequencies to detect
movement that does not involve touch as gestures), and so forth. Examples
of output devices include a display device (e.g., a monitor or
projector), speakers, a printer, a network card, a tactile-response
device, and so forth. Thus, computing device 500 can be configured in a
variety of ways to support user interaction.

[0103] Computing device 500 also includes a photo sharing system 520.
Photo sharing system 520 provides various photo sharing functionality as
discussed above. Photo sharing system 520 can, for example, be a photo
sharing module 122-126 of FIG. 1, be a photo sharing module 212-216 of
FIG. 2, or implement at least part of photo sharing service 114 of FIG.
1.

[0104] Various techniques may be described herein in the general context
of software, hardware elements, or program modules. Generally, such
modules include routines, programs, objects, elements, components, data
structures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. The terms "module," "functionality," and
"component" as used herein generally represent software, firmware,
hardware, or a combination thereof. The features of the techniques
described herein are platform-independent, meaning that the techniques
can be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms having
a variety of processors.

[0105] An implementation of the described modules and techniques can be
stored on or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media. The
computer-readable media can include a variety of media that can be
accessed by the computing device 500. By way of example, and not
limitation, computer-readable media can include "computer-readable
storage media" and "computer-readable signal media."

[0106] "Computer-readable storage media" refers to media and/or devices
that enable persistent and/or non-transitory storage of information in
contrast to mere signal transmission, carrier waves, or signals per se.
Thus, computer-readable storage media refers to non-signal bearing media.
The computer-readable storage media includes hardware such as volatile
and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media and/or storage
devices implemented in a method or technology suitable for storage of
information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,
program modules, logic elements/circuits, or other data. Examples of
computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM,
ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital
versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, hard disks, magnetic
cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage
devices, or other storage device, tangible media, or article of
manufacture suitable to store the desired information and which may be
accessed by a computer.

[0107] "Computer-readable signal media" refers to a signal-bearing medium
that is configured to transmit instructions to the hardware of the
computing device 500, such as via a network. Signal media typically
embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
or other data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier waves, data
signals, or other transport mechanism. Signal media also include any
information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a
signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such
a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and
not limitation, communication media include wired media such as a wired
network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic,
RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

[0108] As previously described, hardware elements 508 and
computer-readable media 504 are representative of instructions, modules,
programmable device logic and/or fixed device logic implemented in a
hardware form that can be employed in some embodiments to implement at
least some aspects of the techniques described herein. Hardware elements
508 can include components of an integrated circuit or on-chip system, an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate
array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and other
implementations in silicon or other hardware devices. In this context, a
hardware element may operate as a processing device that performs program
tasks defined by instructions, modules, and/or logic embodied by the
hardware element as well as a hardware device utilized to store
instructions for execution, e.g., the computer-readable storage media
described previously.

[0109] Combinations of the foregoing can also be employed to implement
various techniques and modules described herein. Accordingly, software,
hardware, or program modules and other program modules can be implemented
as one or more instructions and/or logic embodied on some form of
computer-readable storage media and/or by one or more hardware elements
508. Computing device 500 can be configured to implement particular
instructions and/or functions corresponding to the software and/or
hardware modules. Accordingly, implementation of a module that is
executable by the computing device 500 as software can be achieved at
least partially in hardware, e.g., through use of computer-readable
storage media and/or hardware elements 508 of the processing system. The
instructions and/or functions can be executable/operable by one or more
articles of manufacture (for example, one or more computing devices 500
and/or processing systems 502) to implement techniques, modules, and
examples described herein.

[0110] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific
to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood
that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily
limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the
specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms
of implementing the claims.